tell (on)

verb

Definition of tell (on)next
1
as in to affect
to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response the pressure of final exams is beginning to tell on the students in the dorm

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to talk
to give information (as to the authorities) about another's improper or unlawful activities detectives convinced the perpetrators in custody to tell on their associates

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tell (on)
  1. affect
  2. talk
  3. influence
  4. inform
  5. impress
  6. impact
  7. touch
  8. strike
Verb
  • Your attention to detail isn’t excessive when the numbers affect your security.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2026
  • Alcohol can also affect hormone levels, including estrogen, which can lead to breast cancer.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2026
Definition of affect
Verb
  • After all, sport has an almost unparalleled ability to talk to people, particularly some of those most at risk of taking their own lives.
    — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • What led up to the lawsuit As the lawsuit explains, some former teammates talked among themselves in 2024 with memories of the hazing, and one of them started researching the history of the initiation practices.
    — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of talk
Verb
  • Consequently, the ramifications of Japan's policy changes are no longer confined to the yen and domestic markets, but are fast becoming a key variable influencing global interest rates and capital flows.
    — , CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Diaz also alleges that Camero used political connections and bribery to influence prosecutors and obtain criminal action against him.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of influence
Verb
  • The pilots did not inform air traffic controllers of any problems with the plane prior to landing, air traffic control audio indicated.
    — Maria Aguilar Prieto, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Smart travelers stay informed by reading the fine print and understanding travel requirements for their destination.
    — Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of inform
Verb
  • Sirianni’s been impressed by the attention Mannion commands and his ability to connect with different position groups.
    — Zach Berman, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The speed of onboarding CreateOne also impressed Rozell, noting that interfacing with the platform took just weeks, a stark contrast to the months required by other systems.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of impress
Verb
  • While the price of gasoline directly impacts most motorists, the record diesel costs hit people indirectly through inflation.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Neurological conditions from Parkinson's to spinal trauma can also impact the bladder, but urination frequency issues aren't typically the first or only sign, Roth says.
    — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of impact
Verb
  • So many people were touched by the attack, and NFL circles were no exception.
    — Michael Silver, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • These dramas also touch on the pressure of high school football and the high expectations that communities have for their teams.
    — Jerald McNair, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of touch
Verb
  • The six original moments of silence represent the times when each of the World Trade Center towers was struck, when each fell and the times corresponding to the attack of the Pentagon and crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.
    — Greta Cross, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Rafael Marchán, starting his first big-league game in 50 days, tried to bunt a two-strike pitch over his head and struck himself in the face with his bat for the first out.
    — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of strike
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Browse Nearby Words

tell off
tell (on)
tells
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Cite this Entry

“Tell (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tell%20%28on%29. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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